Raymond remembered as scores scale Croagh Patrick in Kinawley dad’s name
Family and friends climb Ireland’s holy mountain as a fundraising tribute to Raymond Mckenna (50), who passed away two years ago
CROAGH Patrick was a sea of blue and white on Saturday as family, friends and neighbours of the late Kinawley man Raymond Mckenna scaled the mountain in his honour.
Some 70 people travelled from the village of Kinawley to scale the mountain in Raymond’s honour, many carrying the blue and white flags of his beloved Kinawley Brian Borús GFC.
Raymond died two years ago on September 16 at the age of 50 following on from a diagnosis of Oesophageal Cancer at the age of 44. He is survived by his wife, Frances, and four children; Eíbhán, Lorcán, Óisín and Ríon.
Speaking to The Impartial Reporter following the event, Frances said: “It was a really emotional day and it was lovely, and we all really enjoyed it.”
Donations are still coming in but more than £21,800 has been raised for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), and the Oncology Ward at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin.
Frances said: “We are thankful to everyone who came to down to Croagh Patrick; family, friends, neighbours, former teammates from Kinawley and former colleagues from Ballytherm.”
Boscos, Derrylin and Mcbrides
Spar provided refreshments and supplies for the walkers and supporters.
Noting some of those who helped with the huge effort, Frances wished to thank Stephen Mckiernan who handed out the refreshments, and to Roisin Devlin and Rosemary Owens for photography.
Croagh Patrick was a poignant destination for the family, as it was a peak once scaled by Raymond himself,
Frances said.
“Raymond had walked it a few years ago, eight months after his chemo. His sister had said that they were all trying to keep up with him, and he was so determined to get up and finish it.”
Saturday’s weather proved ideal conditions for the walkers and supporters, with Frances noting: “There was a good view, good weather and some people were able to get into the church and light candles.”
After the walk, many of the group stayed in Mayo and were able to enjoy a stream of the Kinawley versus Enniskillen Gaels in the Fermanagh Senior Football Championship, where Kinawley won the pivotal match with Lórcán Mckenna, Raymond’s son, playing a key role.
The stream was organised by Anthony Mchugh. Frances added: “Raymond would have been delighted.”
Donations are still being accepted and can be sent via https://www. idonate.ie/fundraiser/francesmckenna, or brought in person to Salon Twenty 2, Enniskillen.
It is hoped that money raised will be used toward further research into Oesophageal Cancer and will fund research and clinical trials for the cancer.
The family are incredibly grateful for both the online and offline donations received, to date.